Recently, you witnessed a shocking event: a scene unfolding in a school much like ours, where students your age were fleeing in terror. You saw their fear, heard the sirens, and learned that 17 lives were lost that day, taken from a place meant to be a sanctuary. This reality is not new to you; it’s a grim pattern you have had to confront far too often.
After that tragic incident, you came to me, visibly shaken, and asked what I would do if faced with a gunman. You needed to know that I had a plan, that I would protect you. I assured you that I would do everything possible to keep you safe, even if it meant putting myself in harm’s way. This is a promise I take seriously, just as countless educators do each day.
In the months ahead, each fire alarm will likely trigger anxiety, and loud noises may make you jump. Drills designed to prepare us for emergencies might fill you with dread. This is not how it should be. You should not feel fear in our classroom; you should not worry about your safety when that alarm rings. You deserve an environment where you can learn without the shadow of violence looming over you. We, as adults, have failed you. We have not taken the necessary steps to ensure your safety and to prevent these tragedies from happening repeatedly.
We hear the refrain from those who prioritize firearms over lives, insisting that “now is not the time” to discuss gun control. Yet, with the frequency of school shootings, we must ask: if not now, when? You express your frustration at the inaction, and I struggle to provide a clear answer. The reality is, there is no logical explanation for why some prioritize their “rights” over your right to live.
Today, one of you asked me how many more lives must be lost before we finally take action. I had no answer for you.
So, here’s my commitment: I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. I will address bullying before it escalates into something dangerous. I will be attentive when you express concerns about someone’s safety and will act decisively. I will reassure you, again and again, that I will protect you no matter what.
I care deeply for each of you. I wish I could promise that the latest tragedy will spur change, that those influenced by the gun industry will choose lives over profits. But I cannot make that promise. All I can say is that each of you is invaluable to me, and you deserve so much more than this reality we face.
We all deserve a safer world.
Sincerely,
Ms. Carter
For more insights on related topics, check out our post on this link. You may also find valuable information on fertility from Make A Mom and an excellent resource for pregnancy at CDC’s website.
Summary
In the wake of tragic school shootings, a teacher expresses deep concern for her students’ safety and emotional well-being. She acknowledges the failure of adults to provide a secure environment and vows to take action to protect her students. Her message emphasizes the importance of prioritizing life over rights and the urgent need for change in the face of ongoing violence.